Patents Examined by Rick K. Chang
  • Patent number: 10813486
    Abstract: A food processing device includes a base portion with a motor housing upwardly extending from a first end of the base portion. A motor is disposed within the motor housing. A processing assembly extends upwardly from a second end of the base portion and is spaced-apart from the motor housing to define a processing area therebetween. An auger assembly includes an auger shaft that is operably coupled to the motor for driving rotational movement of the auger shaft. A clutch assembly is disposed within the motor housing and is operable between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. A disconnect feature is disposed on the motor housing and configured to selectively actuate movement of the clutch assembly between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. In use, a food substrate is mounted to the processing accessory and the auger shaft to process the food substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Conti, Mansour Ourasanah
  • Patent number: 10814479
    Abstract: An automated assembly station includes a mobile platform for holding a first workpiece, a robot having a moveable arm, and a controller. The moveable arm includes a load cell and a gripper that is adapted to grasp a second workpiece. The robot is operable to use the moveable arm and gripper to insert the second workpiece into a locked position on a mating part of the first workpiece. The load cell is operable to measure an amount of insertion force used to insert the second workpiece into the locked position. The controller is configured to record the insertion force and trigger an alarm in response to the insertion force exceeding a predesignated threshold insertion force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: NYX, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram S. Sandhu, Ronald D. Scholz
  • Patent number: 10801609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling (S) a planet carrier (16), comprising the following steps: separately producing (S1) the cage (20) and the cage carrier (30), providing a machining allowance at one element from among the through-holes (23, 25) in at least one upright (21) of the cage (20) or the through-hole (32) in a finger bar (31) of the cage carrier (30), and/or at one element from among a bearing seat (26) or a rolling bearing seat (41, 42); assembling (S2) the cage (20) and the cage carrier (30) and securing (S3) same to produce a one-piece assembly; determining (S4) the position of a reference axis (Y1, Y2) linked to the cage (20), to the cage carrier (30) and/or to the shaft (40); and, taking account of the position of the reference axis (Y1, Y2), machining (S5) all or part of the machining allowances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Julie Lemoine, Guillaume Julien Beck
  • Patent number: 10799059
    Abstract: A method of controlling dispensing of doses of coffee grounds, the machine comprising a grinding device which is configured to grind coffee beans, a conduit, having an inlet in communication with the grinding device for receiving coffee grounds, and an outlet, a closure member which is adapted to be removed between an open position for the coffee grounds to be discharged from the conduit through the outlet, and a closed position for closing the outlet, and a coffee grounds weight sensor, which is configured to generate signals representative of the weight of coffee grounds built-up in the dispensing conduit when the closure member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giacomo Abbiati
  • Patent number: 10792771
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an integrally bladed rotor. According to the method, a rotor disk comprising a radially outer rim surface is provided. A portion of the disk outer rim surface is removed, leaving a protrusion on the rotor disk outer rim surface. The disk with material removed is subjected to thermal processing. A blade comprising an airfoil and a base is positioned such that a base surface is in contact with the protrusion, and heat, pressure, and motion are applied between the blade and the disk to friction weld the base surface to the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Machinchick, Luke H. Rettberg, Andrew L. Haynes, Janet M. Stanley, Vasisht Venkatesh, David Ulrich Furrer, James R. Murdock, Daniel Gynther, Michael J. Linden
  • Patent number: 10779916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling block (1) for producing partial or total prostheses, comprising a prosthesis base (3) to be processed according to the shape of the jaw, on which synthetically moulded teeth (5), preferably a full set of teeth, are provided, a milling block system consisting of a first milling block for the upper set of teeth and a second milling block for the lower set of teeth, and a method for producing partial or total prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: MERZ DENTAL GmbH
    Inventors: Friedhelm Klingenburg, Carola Froelich
  • Patent number: 10775116
    Abstract: Methods to minimize electro-corrosion in the water cooling ports of stacked heat sinks (coolers) and components fabricated according to those methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Science Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonah H. Jacob, Henry M. Eppich
  • Patent number: 10752047
    Abstract: A laced wheel manufactured from a one-piece casting, including both the hub portion and the rim portion. After casting and machining spoke interfaces, the hub and rim portions are separated and wire spokes are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Alexander, Russell Barnett
  • Patent number: 10753111
    Abstract: A rod detensioning unit including a gripping unit removal device that engages a gripping unit on a rod, a chair frame configured to engage a rod, a rod tensioning unit that applies tension to an external portion of the rod to remove load from the gripping unit, a load cell unit that measures a tension level applied to the rod by the tensioning unit, a plate gripping unit that engages the rod and secures the chair frame, rod tensioning unit, load cell and plate gripping unit to the rod, a drive unit that engages the gripping unit removal device, and an extension unit affixed to the external portion of the rod when the original external rod length is too short to accommodate the de-tensioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: VELOCITEL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Lindyberg, Rakesh Khan, Afshin Karshenas, Brennon Fuqua, Travis Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10753285
    Abstract: A method of assembling an epicyclic gear train according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, the steps of providing a carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart side walls and circumferentially spaced connecting structure defining mounts that interconnect the side walls, spaced apart apertures provided at an outer circumference of the carrier, gear pockets provided between the side walls and extending to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls, providing oil baffles between the side walls, the oil baffles including ends that abut the mounts, inserting a plurality of intermediate gears through the central opening, and then moving the intermediate gears radially outwardly into the gear pockets to extend into the apertures, inserting a sun gear through the central opening, and moving the plurality of intermediate gears radially inwardly to engage the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 10746477
    Abstract: Systems and methods for degassing and charging phase-change thermal devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a flask, a first shut-off valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the flask, and a first valve fluidly coupled to the first shut-off valve by a fluid line. The system further includes a second valve fluidly coupled to the first valve, wherein the second valve is operable to be fluidly coupled to the phase-change thermal device, a second shut-off valve fluidly coupled to the second valve, a third valve fluidly coupled to the first valve, a vacuum pump fluidly coupled to the third valve, and a fluid injection device fluidly coupled to the fluid line between the first valve and the first shut-off valve. The fluid injection device draws the working fluid from the flask and injects a desired amount into the phase-change thermal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Zhou, Yanghe Liu, Ercan Mehmet Dede, Shailesh N. Joshi
  • Patent number: 10743625
    Abstract: A method for assembling a stone on a setting support, the stone being cut to exhibit a table, a crown, a girdle and a pavilion. A substrate with a recess for the stone, the recess forming, between the substrate and the stone, a peripheral free space in the vicinity of the girdle and of the zones of the crown and of the pavilion contiguous to the girdle, the peripheral free space including a bottom having a conductive surface. Electroplating, in the peripheral free space, a metal layer in the vicinity of the girdle and of the zones of the crown and of the pavilion contiguous to the girdle, so as to confine the girdle in the metal layer to form, around the girdle, the setting support. The stone and its setting support are released from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Stewes Bourban, Pascal Grossenbacher, Jean-Claude Martin, Vladislav Spassov, Cecile Barron, Lionel Blaser, Yann Caloz, Cyrille Gernez, Stephane Lauper, Ahmad Odeh, Simon Springer
  • Patent number: 10743705
    Abstract: An infused beverage making apparatus has an affixed or remotely disposed control interface and a processor. The processor receives inputs from the user control interface and measurements from a plurality of sensors and controls various infused beverage qualities according thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Andrew J. Rojee, Brandon M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10739106
    Abstract: A modular system for adjusting the length of pull and drop of a long gun. The modular system enables a combination of any one of a plurality of comb portions with any one or more of a plurality of butt pad spacers for a versatile and robust system that provides a wide range of comb height and length of pull combinations. The system can be implemented by the user, avoiding costly gun fitters. The system provides these aspects in a sleek, streamlined way that does not mar the appearance of the long gun. The spacers for the length of pull adjustment include registration surfaces that provide a three-dimensional interface with the buttstock and comb portion for enhanced strength and stability of the assembly over that of conventional fit adjustment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Savage Arms, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kronengold, Michael J. Withey
  • Patent number: 10736389
    Abstract: A method for assembling a stone on to a mounting includes sinking the stone into an adhesive layer on a substrate and then positioning a setting sheet around the stone above the adhesive layer so as to form a peripheral free space between the setting sheet and the stone, at least at the level of the girdle and of areas of the crown and the pavilion adjacent to the girdle. Then, a metallic layer is deposited in the peripheral free space from the setting sheet, at least at the level of the girdle and of the areas of the crown and the pavilion adjacent to the girdle, such that the metallic layer and the setting sheet form the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Stewes Bourban, Pascal Grossenbacher, Jean-Claude Martin, Vladislav Spassov, Cecile Barron, Lionel Blaser, Yann Caloz, Cyrille Gernez, Stephane Lauper, Ahmad Odeh, Simon Springer
  • Patent number: 10723486
    Abstract: A method of assembling a structure using a fixture is disclosed. The fixture comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the structure comprises an object and a beam that includes a web. The method comprises installing the fixture on the beam by gripping the beam between a first clamping face of the first portion and a second clamping face of the second portion so that a first contact face of the first portion and a second contact face of the second portion abut each other, and the first clamping face and the second clamping face engage the web; positioning the object relative to the beam between a first positioning face of the first portion and a second positioning face of the second portion without gripping the object; and installing a fastener so that the first portion is drawn toward the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew Jameson Stewart, Alan D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10724913
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the clamping of an assembly by a threaded fastener. One element of the threaded fastener is rotated by a driver while the other is held stationary by a holding tool. The screwing torque and reaction torque of the holding tool are measured. Analyzing their evolution as a function of a third parameter makes it possible to determine accurately the pre-tension in the assembly. The disclosure herein further relates to a clamping method employing a real-time monitoring method of this kind. The disclosure herein also relates to a corresponding device for implementing a method of this kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Clément Chirol, Patricia Morgue, Manuel Paredes, Simon Dols
  • Patent number: 10723286
    Abstract: A separator for sealing a cavity in a motor vehicle includes a first separator part for sealing a portion of the cavity that includes a first expandable layer located around an outer edge and a second separator part for sealing a second portion of the cavity that includes a second expandable layer. The first separator part abuts the second separator part when installed in the cavity of the motor vehicle. The first expandable layer and second expandable layer expand to provide a seal around the first separator part and second separator part when heated. The separator further includes a third separator part for sealing a third portion of the cavity that includes an expandable tape that adheres to a surface of the third portion of the cavity. The expandable tape expands to seal the third portion of the cavity when heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Irene A. Cifra, Nick A. Massaro, Aron K. Madsen
  • Patent number: 10718329
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided which includes: a revolving scroll, a fixed scroll, an autorotation preventing mechanism, a frame, a crank shaft provided with an eccentric pin portion which is eccentric with respect to an axis, the crank shaft being provided with a flange portion at a lower portion of the eccentric pin portion, the flange portion being larger than the diameter of the eccentric pin portion, a balance weight mounted on the flange portion, a sealing member performing sealing between the revolving scroll and the flange portion, and a thrust bearing arranged between the frame and the flange portion. The scroll compressor reduces the amount of oil flowing into a back pressure chamber, thereby improving the performance of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI-JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONG, INC.
    Inventors: Yasunori Nakano, Satoshi Nakamura, Takamasa Adachi, Masatsugu Chikano, Yuuichi Yanagase
  • Patent number: 10712047
    Abstract: A heating system retrofitted to be operable through multiple heat stages at a constant fuel-air mixture includes a tube heat exchanger having a plurality of burners, a combustion air blower (CAB) having an exhaust vent connected with the plurality of burners, the CAB operable at a first speed and a second speed, a first valve connecting a fuel source to a first subset of the plurality of burners, and a second valve connecting a fuel source to a second subset of the plurality of burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Steven Schneider, Bryan Smith, John Tran